Magnifying Glass to Mirror

Magnifying Glass to Mirror

Do you ever catch yourself being critical of others over and over again?  This is a subtle kind of ugliness that can creep in without us knowing, and before long we’ve just appointed ourselves as judge over everyone!  I’ve seen this happen in my life before and I can usually look back to see that it’s because I’ve got something going on that I want to try and diminish by making myself look better in comparison to others.  Ewwl.  It’s disgusting just sitting here typing this knowing that I’ve travelled down this path before.  Thankfully, one of the greatest things that God’s word does for us is bring correction.  Correction is one of the most loving things we could ever be given and we should be thrilled God’s word can do this for us.

The truth is that when it comes to judging others, I need to put down the magnifying glass and pick up the mirror.  I love how The Message translation depicts the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:1-5:

Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults – unless, of course, you want the same treatment.  That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging.  It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbors face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own.  Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted with contempt?  It’s this whole travelling road show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part.  Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.

Let’s just say I don’t think that any of us want people being critical of us all of the time, so we need to pick up the mirror and drop the magnifying glass when we find ourselves constantly talking about others in a way that’s not honoring to the Lord.  Those who know that you don’t go around smearing the reputation of others are more apt to receive your help (washcloth) at a time when they desperately need it. Let’s examine ourselves today and leave that critical spirit behind if we’ve been letting it have its way lately.  Just like we tell our toddlers, “only kind words.”